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Confidence: Medium
Overall hill weather14Poor
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0030-45 mph westerlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0050-60 mphFeels like-10 to -6°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate55%Cloud base through day400-2,100 mFreezing level900-1,200 mDaylightSunrise 07:48 · Sunset 18:07 · 10.3 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with very strong, gusty winds and sleet or snow up high.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of 30–45 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 50–60 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 10–20 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.
Cloud and visibility
Cloud on the tops early should lift off them by midday. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m early in the morning. The air should be clear, so expect far-reaching views whenever the tops come out of the cloud.
Rain and ground
Sleet is possible on the tops, and it could turn to snow if it is a little colder. Drizzle at first, clearing by early afternoon. Expect up to 2 mm in total, measured as melted water, so any snow would lie deeper. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 6:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
Things could still change through the day, so keep an eye on the sky.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates Less than 1 hour of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 25-35 mph early in the morning, strengthening to 35-45 mph later. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
6
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 35-45 mph in the early afternoon, easing to 30-40 mph later. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
22
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m (gusts of about 45 mph and about 4 mm of rain). Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind.39Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 21 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch up around 900 m. Lower down, a mixed night to camp, mainly because of the wind. Gusts reach about 45 mph around 900 m and nearer 30 mph around 300 m, which makes for a noisy, testing night even in a good tent. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Expect about 4 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 21 Oct, 17:00 BST to 22 Oct, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m59 · mixed
Wind / gust
19 mph / 30 mph
Typical / low
6.3°C / 5.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
600 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 36 mph
Typical / low
5.4°C / 4.5°C · several hours
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
26 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low
3.3°C / 2.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 50–60 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 50–60 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust50-60 mphRain1.4 mm
Main factorsgusts of 50–60 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-21. All times are UK local time.
Aurora is unlikely on this night
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.7 (on a 0 to 9 scale). NOAA has a G1 storm watch out for this date, though the timing of the strongest activity can shift.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 22 Oct, 05:00 BST to 06:00 BST.
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Moon-free dark sky: 22 Oct, 03:00 BST to 06:00 BST.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
21 Oct, 20:00 BST to 21:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
21 Oct, 21:00 BST to 22:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
21 Oct, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
21 Oct, 23:00 BST to 22 Oct, 00:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
22 Oct, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 05:00 BST to 06:00 BST
Mixed sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 80% illuminated.
Moonset around 22 Oct, 03:00 BST.
Full darkness: 21 Oct, 20:00 BST to 22 Oct, 06:00 BST.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Wednesday 21 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
Summit wind · 08:00-17:0010-25 mph southwesterlySummit gusts · 08:00-17:0030-40 mphFeels like-6 to -2°CPrecipitationUp to around 2 mmCloud-free summit estimate90%Freezing levelAbove summitDaylightSunrise 07:49 · Sunset 18:05 · 10.3 hours daylight
The day on the hill
A mixed day on Pen y Fan, with burns rising after rain.
Things to watch
Burns could rise quickly from the afternoon into the night. Timings are rough. Turn back if a crossing looks unsafe.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of around 20–30 mph first thing, easing to 10–20 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 30–40 mph at the windiest. The wind turns south-westerly in the early afternoon. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that will be noticeable on ridges and open tops, and you will chill quickly when you stop. It gets windier still after dark, with summit gusts of 35–45 mph, so bear that in mind if you will be out late.
Cloud and visibility
The tops should stay clear of cloud all day. The air should be clear too, so expect far-reaching views from the tops.
Rain and ground
Rain arrives mid-afternoon. Totals are uncertain and could be higher.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -6 to -2°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
Sunset is around 6:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 6.6 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
MixedSummit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground.
69
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
MixedWinds ease compared with the morning. Summit winds around 10-20 mph. Gusts around 15-25 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
64
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 60 mph and around 20 mm of rain.9Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Thursday 22 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 60 mph around 900 m and nearer 45 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. The wind swings from southerly to westerly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Expect a wet night, around 20 mm of rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. Overnight lows of about 3°C at 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 4°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 22 Oct, 17:00 BST to 23 Oct, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 43 mph
Typical / low
9.8°C / 7.6°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
22 mph / 52 mph
Typical / low
8.6°C / 6.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
53% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m0 · very poor
Wind / gust
26 mph / 61 mph
Typical / low
6.4°C / 3.1°C · a brief spell
In cloud
60% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 4°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 30–40 mph.Poor16View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 30–40 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust30-40 mphRain0.5 mm
Main factorsgusts of 30–40 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-22. All times are UK local time.
Aurora is unlikely on this night
Too quiet for a likely sighting from here. Activity peaks around Kp 2.7 (on a 0 to 9 scale). It would take about Kp 6.3 for a camera to pick up a glow low in the north, though that is not a hard line.
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 22 Oct, 20:00 BST to 21:00 BST.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 23 Oct, 04:15 BST to 06:00 BST.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
22 Oct, 20:00 BST to 21:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 21:00 BST to 22:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
22 Oct, 23:00 BST to 23 Oct, 00:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
23 Oct, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
23 Oct, 05:00 BST to 06:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 88% illuminated.
Moonset around 23 Oct, 04:15 BST.
Full darkness: 22 Oct, 20:00 BST to 23 Oct, 06:00 BST.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Thursday 22 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A wild day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with severe winds and drizzle for much of the day. Not a day for the summit.
Wind
On the summit expect a north-westerly wind rising from around 35–45 mph to 55–65 mph around midday, then easing to 45–55 mph, with gusts of 75–85 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 15–25 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make movement extremely difficult on exposed ground. During the strongest gusts, walking or standing may be impossible and you could be blown off your feet. Avoid exposed high ground.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit in the early afternoon. The cloud base could be as low as 300–600 m early in the morning.
Rain and ground
Drizzle for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total. Totals are uncertain and could be higher. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -10 to -6°C in the wind. The freezing level is close to summit height. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 6:05pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
There is some disagreement between forecast models on wind strength. It's still two days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans. Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 5.4 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
Severe hill conditionsSummit winds around 30-40 mph early in the morning, strengthening to 50-60 mph later. Gusts around 75-85 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make movement extremely difficult on exposed ground. During the strongest gusts, walking or standing may be impossible and you could be blown off your feet. Avoid exposed high ground. Summit cloud becomes more persistent later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is forecast during the morning, but models differ considerably on the amount.
-35
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
Severe hill conditionsWinds strengthen compared with the morning. Summit winds around 55-65 mph in the early afternoon, easing to 45-55 mph later. Gusts around 75-85 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make movement extremely difficult on exposed ground. During the strongest gusts, walking or standing may be impossible and you could be blown off your feet. Avoid exposed high ground. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is forecast during the afternoon, but models differ considerably on the amount.
-44
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 55 mph.9Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Friday 23 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 55 mph around 900 m and nearer 40 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. Expect some light rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 23 Oct, 17:00 BST to 24 Oct, 08:00 BST. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
25 mph / 40 mph
Typical / low
5.4°C / 5.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
30 mph / 49 mph
Typical / low
4.6°C / 4.3°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
36 mph / 57 mph
Typical / low
2.4°C / 2.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 75–85 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 75–85 mph are strong enough to make movement extremely difficult on exposed ground. During the strongest gusts, walking or standing may be impossible and you could be blown off your feet. Avoid exposed high ground. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust75-85 mphRain2.9 mm
Main factorsgusts of 75–85 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly clear. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-23. All times are UK local time.
Aurora is unlikely on this night
A noticeable aurora display is unlikely here. Any glow may be faint or camera-only. Activity peaks around Kp 3.3 (on a 0 to 9 scale).
Activity can change at short notice. Check again on the night.
Stargazing
Mixed sky conditions during the best available spell: 23 Oct, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BST.
Mostly clear. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Moon-free dark sky: 24 Oct, 05:35 BST to 06:00 BST.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
23 Oct, 19:55 BST to 20:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 20:00 BST to 21:00 BST
Mixed sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 21:00 BST to 22:00 BST
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly clear. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BST
Mixed sky conditions
Mostly clear. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
23 Oct, 23:00 BST to 24 Oct, 00:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 01:00 BST to 02:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 02:00 BST to 03:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 03:00 BST to 04:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 04:00 BST to 05:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 05:00 BST to 06:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Gibbous moon, about 94% illuminated.
Moonset around 24 Oct, 05:35 BST.
Full darkness: 23 Oct, 19:55 BST to 24 Oct, 06:00 BST.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Friday 23 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A wild day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with very strong, gusty winds and rain for much of the day. Not a day for the summit.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of around 25–35 mph first thing, rising to 40–50 mph by early afternoon, with gusts of 60–70 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 10–20 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.
Cloud and visibility
The tops are likely to drift in and out of cloud, with the best chance of a clear summit mid-afternoon. The cloud base could be as low as 500–800 m mid-morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Rain for much of the day, becoming heavier through the afternoon. Expect 10–20 mm in total. Totals are uncertain and could be higher. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 6pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
The forecast models disagree on how strong the wind will be, so it could be noticeably stronger than this. It's still three days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans. Below zero means severe hill conditions. More negative scores indicate more severe forecast weather. Read the hazard details before making plans.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph early in the morning, strengthening to 30-40 mph later. Gusts around 50-60 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the morning, while others keep it mostly dry.
2
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
Severe hill conditionsWinds strengthen compared with the morning. More rain is expected. Summit winds around 40-50 mph. Gusts around 60-70 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Summit cloud is more persistent early in this period, with better prospects later. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is forecast during the afternoon, but models differ considerably on the amount.
-33
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 75 mph.0Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Saturday 24 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 75 mph around 900 m and nearer 50 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. Expect some light rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. A cold night, down to about 2°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 24 Oct, 17:00 BST to 25 Oct, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
37 mph / 51 mph
Typical / low
7.0°C / 6.6°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m0 · very poor
Wind / gust
44 mph / 62 mph
Typical / low
5.3°C / 4.9°C · a brief spell
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m0 · very poor
Wind / gust
52 mph / 73 mph
Typical / low
3.3°C / 2.2°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 60–70 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 60–70 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust60-70 mphRain12.1 mm
Main factorsgusts of 60–70 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-24. All times are UK local time.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 25 Oct, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
A bright moon is up all through the dark hours, washing out fainter stars and meteors.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
24 Oct, 19:55 BST to 20:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 20:00 BST to 21:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 21:00 BST to 22:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 22:00 BST to 23:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
24 Oct, 23:00 BST to 25 Oct, 00:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 00:00 BST to 01:00 BST
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 01:00 BST to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 05:00 GMT to 05:05 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-full moon, about 98% illuminated.
Moonset around 25 Oct, 05:55 GMT.
Full darkness: 24 Oct, 19:55 BST to 25 Oct, 05:05 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Saturday 24 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with very strong, gusty winds.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of around 45–55 mph first thing, easing to 30–40 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 60–70 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 10–20 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.
Cloud and visibility
The tops should stay clear of cloud all day.
Rain and ground
It should stay dry. Some forecast models bring rain, so don't count on it staying dry. It will be wet underfoot after recent rain.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 0 to 4°C, feeling like -8 to -4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer.
Daylight
Sunset is around 5pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
There is some disagreement between forecast models on wind strength. It's still four days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 9.9 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 45-55 mph. Gusts around 60-70 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.
26
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorWinds ease compared with the morning. Summit winds around 35-50 mph. Gusts around 55-65 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges.
39
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.19Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Sunday 25 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. The wind swings from northwesterly to southwesterly overnight, so a pitch sheltered at dusk may not be by morning. Dry to pitch, then a little rain by morning, so you'll likely pack up in the wet. A cold night, down to about 1°C around 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 25 Oct, 17:00 GMT to 26 Oct, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
16 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
5.6°C / 5.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
20 mph / 41 mph
Typical / low
5.2°C / 4.7°C · several hours
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
24 mph / 49 mph
Typical / low
2.2°C / 1.1°C · much of the night
In cloud
7% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 60–70 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. After recent rain the rock may still be wet in places, especially shaded holds and drainage lines. Gusts of 60–70 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceDry overhead; seepage uncertainPeak gust60-70 mphRainPossible · 55%
Main factorsgusts of 60–70 mphdamp or incompletely dried rock possible
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-25. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 25 Oct, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
A bright moon is up all through the dark hours, washing out fainter stars and meteors.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
25 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Mixed sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
25 Oct, 23:00 GMT to 26 Oct, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 05:00 GMT to 05:05 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-full moon, about 100% illuminated.
Moonset around 26 Oct, 07:20 GMT.
Full darkness: 25 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 26 Oct, 05:05 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Sunday 25 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with a blustery wind and drizzle for much of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of 20–35 mph for most of the day, with gusts of 35–45 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 45–55 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 400–700 m mid-afternoon. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Drizzle for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total. Totals are uncertain and could be higher.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 2 to 6°C, feeling like -4 to 0°C in the wind. It turns milder through the day. The freezing level is above the summits. Take a hat, gloves, a windproof and a spare warm layer. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 4:55pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still five days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the morning, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
20
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 35-45 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Rain is possible during the afternoon, but forecast models disagree on whether it will fall.
12
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaNot a night to camp on the open hill: gusts of about 65 mph and around 12 mm of rain.9Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Monday 26 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Not a night to camp on the open hill. Gusts reach about 65 mph around 900 m and nearer 45 mph around 300 m, strong enough to flatten or tear a tent. Don't count on finding shelter once you're up there. Choose another night or a low, sheltered spot. Expect a wet night, around 12 mm of rain, with rain while you pitch and still falling when you pack up. Above about 600 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. Overnight lows of about 9°C at 900 m. A 2-season bag rated to about 8°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Cloud at the reference camping height may hide the Moon. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 26 Oct, 17:00 GMT to 27 Oct, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
28 mph / 46 mph
Typical / low
12.6°C / 11.5°C
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
33 mph / 55 mph
Typical / low
11.7°C / 10.5°C
In cloud
47% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m0 · very poor
Wind / gust
39 mph / 65 mph
Typical / low
10.1°C / 9.3°C · several hours
In cloud
87% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 2-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 8°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
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Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 35–45 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 35–45 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust35-45 mphRain3.3 mm
Main factorsgusts of 35–45 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaMostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-26. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 27 Oct, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT.
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
A bright moon is up all through the dark hours, washing out fainter stars and meteors.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
26 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
26 Oct, 23:00 GMT to 27 Oct, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Hazy, which dims the fainter stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
27 Oct, 05:00 GMT to 05:05 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some forecasts show clear spells, others keep it cloudy; check again nearer the time.
Forecast models disagree.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-full moon, about 99% illuminated.
Full darkness: 26 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 27 Oct, 05:05 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Monday 26 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A mixed day on Pen y Fan, with very strong, gusty winds and rain clearing by midday.
Wind
On the summit expect a westerly wind of around 30–40 mph first thing, easing to 10–20 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 45–55 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 60–70 mph.
Cloud and visibility
The tops should stay clear of cloud all day.
Rain and ground
Rain at first, clearing by midday. Expect 2–5 mm in total. Some forecast models keep it drier in the morning.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 4 to 8°C, feeling like 0 to 4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. A windproof and an extra layer for stops will help. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 4:55pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still six days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 8.1 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 30-40 mph early in the morning, easing to 20-30 mph later. Gusts around 45-55 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period. Some forecast models bring rain during the morning, while others keep it mostly dry.
49
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
GoodWinds ease compared with the morning. Rain also eases. Summit winds around 15-25 mph. Gusts around 25-35 mph are possible on exposed ground.
82
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaToo windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m (gusts of about 50 mph). Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground.19Poor · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Tuesday 27 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
Too windy for an exposed pitch above about 600 m. Lower down, a poor night to camp on open ground. Gusts reach about 50 mph around 900 m and nearer 35 mph around 300 m, enough to damage a tent on open ground. Pitch low down and in real shelter, or leave it for another night. Dry to pitch, then some light rain overnight and into the morning, so expect to pack a wet tent. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Views of the Moon may come and go through cloud breaks. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 27 Oct, 17:00 GMT to 28 Oct, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m39 · poor
Wind / gust
19 mph / 34 mph
Typical / low
6.6°C / 5.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
600 m19 · very poor
Wind / gust
23 mph / 41 mph
Typical / low
6.6°C / 5.5°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
Low
900 m9 · very poor
Wind / gust
29 mph / 48 mph
Typical / low
5.0°C / 4.4°C · much of the night
In cloud
20% of modelled night
Condensation
Moderate
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 45–55 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 45–55 mph are strong enough to make walking very difficult and tiring, with a risk of being blown off your feet. Avoid exposed ridges and edges. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust45-55 mphRain3.5 mm
Main factorsgusts of 45–55 mphwet rock likely
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Did this match your experience?Tell us about the rock surface and wind to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Overnight · Aurora, stars & meteorsAfter darkBetaSome breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.View forecastClose forecast
After dark: aurora and stargazing
Night beginning 2026-10-27. All times are UK local time.
Aurora outlook
Nothing notable expected.
A broad activity outlook, not a forecast of a visible display. Cloud and activity can change before the night.
Stargazing
Poor sky conditions during the best available spell: 27 Oct, 23:00 GMT to 28 Oct, 00:00 GMT.
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
A bright moon is up all through the dark hours, washing out fainter stars and meteors.
Sky conditions through the night
Fully dark periods. Conditions can change between forecast hours.
Time
Viewing conditions
27 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 19:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
27 Oct, 19:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
27 Oct, 20:00 GMT to 21:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
27 Oct, 21:00 GMT to 22:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
27 Oct, 22:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
27 Oct, 23:00 GMT to 28 Oct, 00:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 00:00 GMT to 01:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 01:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Some breaks in the cloud, so stars at times. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 02:00 GMT to 03:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 03:00 GMT to 04:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 04:00 GMT to 05:00 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
28 Oct, 05:00 GMT to 05:05 GMT
Poor sky conditions
Mostly cloudy, so little chance of seeing the stars. Rain at times. Moonlight washes out the fainter stars.
Limited model coverage.
Moon, darkness and meteor showers
Near-full moon, about 96% illuminated.
Full darkness: 27 Oct, 18:50 GMT to 28 Oct, 05:05 GMT.
Moon times assume an open horizon. Hills can hide the Moon sooner. Moon-free does not mean cloud-free.
Southern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Orionids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Northern Taurids are active on this night. Activity may be much lower away from the peak.
Southern Taurids: peak around 10 October 2026.
Orionids: peak around 21 October 2026.
Northern Taurids: peak around 12 November 2026.
Leonids: peak around 18 November 2026.
Geminids: peak around 14 December 2026.
Ursids: peak around 22 December 2026.
Dates from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Activity dates do not guarantee visible meteors. Look across a broad, dark sky, not only north.
Darkness of the surroundings
Estimated darkness rank 927 of 980 assessed peaks (1 is darkest), based on surrounding artificial light in 2021. This is not a measurement of tonight’s sky.
2021 artificial-light baseline, not measured sky brightness or a Bortle class. Changes to lighting, blue-rich LEDs, terrain screening, atmospheric scattering and cloud-reflected light are not resolved. Similar ranks are not meaningfully distinct. Darkness is not a recommendation to climb a summit at night.
VIIRS nighttime lights: Earth Observation Group, Payne Institute for Public Policy, Colorado School of Mines. Reprocessed by OpenGeoHub/OpenLandMap. Cropped and ranked by Mountain Weather.
Sky-weather grades exclude light pollution, terrain and thin haze. They are not mountain safety ratings. Check the mountain and camping forecast separately. Accessible lower viewpoints may be a better choice than summits.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Tuesday 27 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.
A poor day on the tops of Pen y Fan, with a blustery wind and drizzle for much of the day.
Wind
On the summit expect a south-westerly wind of around 25–35 mph first thing, easing to 15–25 mph by mid-afternoon, with gusts of 40–50 mph at the windiest. Lower down on the open hillside it will be more like 5–15 mph. Gusts like that are strong enough to make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. If the windier forecast models are right, summit gusts could reach 60–70 mph.
Cloud and visibility
Expect the summit to be in cloud for most of the day. The cloud base could be as low as 700–1000 m early in the morning. In cloud you'll be finding your way without landmarks, so carry navigation you trust and know how to use, with a backup such as a spare battery or a map and compass.
Rain and ground
Drizzle for much of the day. Expect 2–5 mm in total.
Warmth and kit
On the tops it will be around 6 to 10°C, feeling like 0 to 4°C in the wind. The freezing level is above the summits. A windproof and an extra layer for stops will help. Pack waterproofs too, and keep a warm layer dry in your pack.
Daylight
Sunset is around 4:55pm, so allow time to get off the hill before dark, and carry a head torch.
Forecast confidence
It's still seven days off and could change, so check again nearer the time.
Sunshine context Model-grid estimate, not summit sunshine
The surrounding model grid indicates 0 h of sunshine. This is not a forecast of time in sunshine on the summit. Use the cloud and views outlook above for the conditions on this mountain.
Morning · 08:00–12:00
PoorSummit winds around 25-35 mph. Gusts around 40-50 mph are possible on exposed ground. Gusts this strong can make walking into it hard work, with buffeting on ridges and edges. Rain is forecast during this period.
26
Afternoon · 12:00–17:00
PoorSummit winds around 20-30 mph. Gusts around 30-40 mph are possible on exposed ground. Rain is forecast during this period.
40
Compare an early start with later conditions. The main forecast above covers the day in more detail.
Overnight · 17:00–08:00Wild campingBetaA reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch: gusts of about 25 mph.64Mixed · 600 mView detailsHide details
Night beginning Wednesday 28 October 2026
Full overnight outlook
A reasonable night to camp, with a well-chosen pitch. Gusts reach about 25 mph on open ground, so peg out well and use the guylines. Look for shelter from the west. Expect a little rain, mostly early on, so you'll likely pitch in the rain. Up around 900 m you'd likely be in cloud for part of the night: damp, and hard to find your way if you need to move. The air is damp at every height we checked (300-900 m), so expect heavy condensation. Leave the vents open. Overnight lows of about 4°C at 900 m. A 3-season bag rated to about 2°C comfort, and a warm mat, should do. Allow more if you sleep cold.
Extensive cloud may limit moonlight. Illumination describes the sunlit part of the Moon, not brightness at your pitch.
Overnight window: 28 Oct, 17:00 GMT to 29 Oct, 08:00 GMT. Approximate open-horizon times; hills can hide the Moon. Still take a headtorch.
Elevation reference (open ground)
300 m64 · reasonable
Wind / gust
10 mph / 19 mph
Typical / low
7.8°C / 5.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
600 m64 · reasonable
Wind / gust
12 mph / 23 mph
Typical / low
7.8°C / 5.9°C · much of the night
In cloud
0% of modelled night
Condensation
High
900 m54 · mixed
Wind / gust
15 mph / 27 mph
Typical / low
7.4°C / 3.7°C · several hours
In cloud
93% of modelled night
Condensation
High
Warmth planning: As a broad starting point, consider a 3-season bag with an ISO/EN comfort rating at or below about 2°C. Allow more margin if you sleep cold or expect fatigue, and use an adequate insulated mat. Dampness is possible, so keep the sleep system dry and ensure its insulation remains effective if damp.
Did this match your night?Share a quick observation to help improve this beta forecast.Give feedback →
Daytime · exposed rockClimbing & scramblingBetaVery poor conditions for exposed scrambling: gusts of 40–50 mph.Poor0View detailsHide details
Generic exposed-rock guidance
Full climbing & scrambling outlook
Very poor conditions for exposed scrambling. The rock is likely to be wet and slippery through the day. Gusts of 40–50 mph could throw you off balance on exposed moves and ridges. Cloud on the tops may make route-finding and retreat harder. The rock around the summit is mostly sandstone, a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, taken from geological maps around the summit, so the rock on your line may differ.
Rock surfaceWet rock likelyPeak gust40-50 mphRain3.1 mm
Main factorsgusts of 40–50 mphwet rock likelymuch of the route may be in cloud
Representative rock around the summit and along available routes
Sandstone with clay-rich rockBrownstones Formation
Origin
Sedimentary
Broad rock-response group
Sandstone or gritstone
Mapping
BGS Geology 50K · 1:50,000
Summit area
Sandstone or gritstone in 100% of 17 BGS samples within 350 m
Sandstone is a gritty sedimentary rock. It is rough and grippy when dry and can feel greasy when damp or covered in lichen. It is usually solid in terraced steps, but softer layers crumble and weathered edges can break away. These are general notes for each rock type, from geological map samples at and around the summit. The rock on your line can differ, and lichen, vegetation and seepage all change how it feels underfoot.
Rock groups along the sampled routes
These are mapped rock groups, not separate weather forecasts or a ranking of route safety.
Recommended kit for this dayWeather-aware packing prompts, plus your core hillwalking kitView kit
For a day hillwalk, not a complete route-specific checklist. Carry navigation and backup you can use, warm and waterproof layers, suitable footwear, food and water, a headtorch, emergency shelter, first aid and a way to call for help. Snow, ice, technical terrain and overnight trips need additional equipment and skills.
Does the weather shape your plans?Optional hill-user research. One answer helps; further questions are up to you.Take part
Help the Mountain Decisions Project understand how forecasts influence hill days, including when plans stay the same. Findings will be shared publicly as summaries, not individual responses.
This is about Pen y Fan on Wednesday 28 October 2026. It asks about intentions, not whether you actually went out. No name or account is needed.